New Year’s Eve on the Lakeshore: You Don’t Have to Go to the Club!

These are for the people who would rather gaze onto the lakeshore when the clock strikes midnight. These are Michigan’s best lakeshore NYE parties, all for under $100!

New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to spent on the dance floor. Sometimes all you need is a little Michigan scenery to provide the closure or new beginning that you crave on this most auspicious of nights. And what a way to celebrate it, on the lakeshore! Here are the best lakeshore NYE events in Michigan. I’ve only included events $100 or lower, because who has money at this time of year?

Muskegon

Representing the eastern side of the state.

Unruly Barrel DropThis is Unruly Brewery‘s New Year’s Eve bash. Come out to the circus and have a champagne toast at midnight. The Knotty Bits will keep the evening fresh and colorful with comedy acts and even an aerial performance! 21+ only. $5 cover charge at the door. The event will go from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Unruly Brewing is located at 360 W. Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon.

Gatsby PartyProhibition is no match for this party. Prepare to swing into the year with traditional jazz and swing by Edye Evans Hyde at 18th Amendment Spirits Co. There’s a costume contest, so try to pull off your best Daisy or Nick this New Year’s Eve. Pricing is $75 for singles and $125 for couples.

Star Wars PartyThe younglings can come to this one but it is by no means a kids-only event. This Star Wars Party is at Jumpin’ Jupiter. Admission: $6. Rentals range from $4-6.

Find Jumpin’ Jupiter at 1775 Evanston Avenue in Muskegon.

Magic of MotownThis Motown-themed event starts at 6 p.m. at Bella Maria’s. You don’t have to be in the Motor City to appreciate some Motown by Danielle Cosby and the Motown Review. There will also be a full buffet (including prime rib!) and a champagne toast. Tickets start at $75.

Northway LanesBowling and drinking go together like peas and carrots, so let Northway Lanes spend the holiday with you. There’s going to be a taco and pizza buffet, so really what else are you going to do that’s better than that? Also, cosmic bowling, prize giveaways, and party favors will serve your night right.

Space can be reserved for 5-7 p.m., 7:15-9:15 p.m. or 9:45 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Admission: $74.95 per family.

Holland

Holland isn’t just for Christmas!

BAM! New Years’ Eve Laser Tag PartyThis laser tag party is only $20 per person. Admission includes two games of laser tag, two slices of pizza, a 22-ounce pop and a $10 arcade game card from 9 p.m. Sunday, December 31, to 2 a.m. Monday, January 1.

BoatwerksThe Black River Ballroom at Boatwerks Waterfront restaurant wants you to spend New Year’s with them. The event is $65 per person or $115 per couple. Admission includes a dinner buffet, party favors, midnight champagne toast and music from Recycle the Day. The view is worth it.

Boatwerks is located at 216 Van Raalte Avenue in Holland.

Black and White Party at Big E’s

What’s New Year’s without a black and white party, right? This one is bound to be a good time with DJ Rozay providing the dance music. The event is 21+ and goes from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Find the event at 121 E. Eighth St.in Holland.

Ludington, Michigan. Photo courtesy of Mason County Press.

Ludington

The sand dunes and Lake Michigan shore beat any club.

Ludington’s New Year’s Eve Ball DropThey’re having a (free!) ball drop too! Fireworks and a beer tent just serve to keep it extra luxe. The event will have any information you may need, as well as a place to buy drink tokens. There will be 6,000 LED lights and the beer tent is open 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

It’ll be in the middle of the intersection of James Street and Ludington Avenue.

Balloon DropThis one is for the kiddos! Witness the spectacle at the Sand Castle Children’s Museum in Ludington from 5-8 p.m. on December 31. The balloon drop includes snacks, ice cream sundaes, crafts, face painting, music, and, of course, the balloon drop. Cost: $35 per family, $10 per person.

Attendees must RSVP on Facebook messenger, by emailing sandcastleschildrensmuseum@gmail.com, or by leaving a message at 231-233-9326.

That just about does it for lakeshore NYE events in Michigan. Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below! And Happy New Year!

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